Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport do I fly into?
To reach Medan, you’ll fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), which is the city’s main airport. Direct flights to Medan are commonly available from major hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta, making it a convenient destination to reach from these locations.
When do you recommend flying into Medan?
If work and vacation time allows, we highly recommend making a vacation out of our wedding and flying a few days before to be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding Medan such as Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba. Not to mention that the Medan is often considered as the culinary capital of Indonesia.
If flying into Medan the week of the wedding from the US, we recommend departing on Tuesday to arrive on Wednesday evening/Thursday morning. Be aware that Indonesia is on the other side of the international date line, so if you want to arrive in Medan on a particular date, you have to leave two calendar days prior. So if you want to arrive on October 3rd, you’ll have to leave on October 1st. The good thing is that on the way back, you make up that day and generally arrive on the same day you leave Indonesia! You can either check out the Travel Guide for more details or reach out to us directly to consult around the your travel plan.
How will I get to the wedding?
We will be booking cars/shuttles on the day of the wedding that will pick everyone up from the hotel. They will also take everyone back after the wedding is over. If you are staying at a different hotel or accommodation, you can either reach out to us for accommodation or take private transportation/taxi/ride share to the venue.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is formal and cocktail attire. Traditional Batik or Indonesian attire is welcomed!
Will there be an open bar?
If you have to ask, you don’t know us very well…
Is there a gift registry?
Many of you are traveling across the globe to celebrate with us in Indonesia, so your presence means the world to us and is all we ask for. If you'd still like to contribute to our registry or honeymoon funds, please use the link below. In keeping with Chinese Indonesian tradition, if you prefer, you may also bring a red pocket (hong bao) to the wedding. The red pocket, filled with money, symbolizes good luck and blessings for the couple. This traditional gesture is greatly appreciated.
What is the best way to RSVP?
We are requesting our guests please RSVP through the RSVP tab on our wedding website. DEADLINE TO RSVP IS August 15tt, 2024 but just give us a heads up if you can’t decide by then but seriously considering!
Where is the best place to stay in Medan?
For folks traveling internationally, we will be providing 2 nights of hotel accommodation at Adimulia Hotel which will be close to the city center and the wedding venue. Link HERE
Do I need a visa to travel to Medan?
Yes– US passport holders will need a visa to enter Indonesia. You can get the Visa on Arrival at the airport in the arrival hall for IDR 500,000 (35 USD). The Visa is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days by going to the immigration office.
The arrival process can be long if you arrive at the same time as other flights, especially during high/peak season. You have to:
1. Pay for a visa
2. Go through immigration
3. Fill out a customs form
4. Go through customs
What are the passport requirements to enter Indonesia?
Your passport must be valid for AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM DAY OF ARRIVAL or else Indonesia will NOT allow you into the country and your airline will NOT let you on the plane. Make sure your passport is renewed before you travel to Indonesia. The passport needs at least one empty page (recommend having two).
What are the COVID vaccination requirements?
As of June 22, 2023: There are no more vaccine requirements, and COVID tests and quarantine mandates have been dropped. The Indonesian government has kept a close eye on the way COVID is being handled in the country, & they have determined now is the time to fully embrace tourists regardless of vaccination status.
Do I need a voltage converter/adapter in Indonesia?
In Indonesia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can’t use your electric appliances in Indonesia without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in Indonesia (230 V) is higher than in the United States of America (120 V). Your cell phones, cameras, and any electronics will be destroyed if you plug them in without an adapter.
We recommend this international adapter from Amazon for about $35: LINKED HERE. This one is also good for 150 countries all over the world, and can charge up to six different devices simultaneously (& it’s hair curler/straightener friendly)! Super useful to have around if you plan on doing a good bit of traveling anywhere in the world.
Can you drink tap water in Medan?
Unfortunately, no – it is not considered safe to drink tap water in Medan. Tap water is a common source of travelers’ diarrhea. It is best to stick with bottled water even when dining at restaurants.
When is the best time to book flights?
The best time to book international flights is 2-3 months before the intended departure date. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly internationally. Google Flights is our favorite website to use to find the cheapest airfare, and it allows you to compare costs/savings when flying on one day/airline versus another.
Can we bring +1’s or guests not noted on the invitation?
Yes, you can and just remember to note it in your RSVP.
How can I contact you in Medan?
We highly recommend getting an international plan with your respective cellular provider when traveling internationally. We have T-MOBILE (highly recommended) which allows us to use unlimited internet, text, etc without wifi (though finding wifi is ALWAYS a great thing). We recommend contacting us via Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp since they won’t charge you for making phone calls/Facetiming.
Additionally, we “may” be creating a WhatsApp group message. If/when you RSVP Yes, you will be added to the group chat, where we will occasionally put out reminders, recommendations, and other important information. We will try not to spam you too much!
How will I get to the wedding?
We will be hiring shuttles the day of the wedding that will pick everyone up from the hotel. It will also take everyone back after the wedding is over. If you are staying at a different hotel or accommodation, you can either meet us at the airbnb or take private transportation/taxi/ride share to the venue.
What is the best way to get around Medan/Bali?
We recommend using GRAB or GOJEK (the Indonesian version of Uber). They are safe modes of transportation, and you won't be getting ripped off in fares as you likely might from a Balinese taxi driver since the fares are pre-determined when you book it.
**BALI PRIVATE DRIVER AND MOTORBIKE**
If you want to explore Medan/Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, let me know and I can help you book one
Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel/AIRBNB transfers from the airport.
**Make sure you still have cash to make sure you cover expenses such as car parking, entry fees to places and the airport parking fee. As well as a tip for the driver if he did a great job showing you around Medan/Bali!**
*MARIJUANA/EDIBLES AND ANY NARCOTICS *
Whether medicinal/with a prescription, these are prohibited when entering into the country of Indonesia. Any narcotics or cannibis derivatives can warrant huge fines and ten years of Indonesian prison time.
What is the best way to pay for things in Indonesia?
Credit cards and cash will be the primary ways to pay for things in Indonesia.
Do they speak English in Indonesia?
Yes, most people in Medan and Bali speak English. Bahasa is the main language in Indonesia and spoken by all locals. It is always nice to know a few words when talking to locals!
Here are a few phrases in Bahasa we recommend learning:
• Good Morning – Selamat Pagi
• Good Afternoon – Selamat Siang
• Good Night – Selamat Malam
• How Are You - Apa Kabar
• Thank You – Terima Kasih
• You're welcome – Sama sama
What is the best way to contact you if I have additional questions?
You can text one of us at anytime, or you can email us at masonhalim@gmail.com